Showbiz Superman Stays Relevant by C BY JAMES HIRSEN


omic books kick-started the whole superhero phe- nomenon, and the public’s fascination with them has


ballooned into a multibillion-dollar, multimedia genre that routinely domi- nates box offices around the globe. This year is no exception with the


latest Superman movie starring David Corenswet, which cost Warner Bros. $350 million to make, raking in $406 million in global ticket sales during just its first two weeks in July, accord- ing to Variety. Part of the success of superhero


movies may be that they offer an escape from everyday life. They also give viewers an immer-


sion experience into a dreamlike universe where imaginations can run wild. And, although not often spoken


about, there is an additional dimen- sion: During times of moral ambigu- ity, superhero films present a clear dis- tinction between good and evil, pro- viding a moral clarity for audiences. Superhero characters are often


depicted as rescuers, who through their valiant actions convey the esteemed qualities of goodness, hon- esty, and courage. Famed director Steven Spielberg


once compared superhero movies to Westerns, another genre in which characters exhibit bravery and decen- cy and are willing to place the needs of others ahead of their own. “We were around when the West-


54 NEWSMAX | SEPTEMBER 2025


David Corenswet stars in this summer’s Superman.


Embracing Midwestern Values In latest movie, our superhero gives audiences clear distinction between good and evil.


ern died, and there will be a time when the superhero movie goes the way of the Western,” Spielberg told The Asso- ciated Press. “Right now, the super- hero movie is alive and thriving.” The superhero that launched the


genre is the one and only Superman. In 1938, writer Jerry Siegel and art- ist Joe Shuster created the Superman


character. He debuted in comic book form in a now highly valuable publica- tion titled Action Comics #1. Superman then soared into just


about every mode of media, including novels, radio, television, movies, dra- matic plays, and video games. The iconic “S” shield on his chest became a globally recognized symbol,


CORENSWET/ RIVER CALLAWAY/VARIETY VIA GETTY IMAGES


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